Once again at our Bronze Quill Awards Ceremony, we will recognize three exceptional communicators. Review the descriptions below and consider nominating someone for a special award. Nominations are due Friday, March 22.

• Communicator of the Year: Honors a member of the community for his or her contributions to the community through communications. This person is not a communicator by profession — but by passion.
• Professional of the Year: Recognizes the outstanding achievements of an IABC member in his or her career, profession and community.
• Rising Star: We will once again recognize a dynamic, young professional who has demonstrated outstanding ability and strong leadership within the communications profession.

Winners will be announced at our awards ceremony on Thursday, April 25, at the Central Library in downtown Tulsa.

Sponsorship opportunities are available. Bronze Quill is a fun, professional event that gives sponsors exposure to the Tulsa-area’s top communicators from varying industries.

For questions, sponsorship information or to nominate an individual for one of these awards, email awards@iabctulsa.com or call Ashley Cleveland at 918-947-7251.

Whew! February is already almost over, but we squeezed a lot of excitement into this short month. Starting with Leadership Institute (LI). This is an annual conference for IABC Chapter leaders to come together, learn from each other and take away best practices on leading their chapters and supporting members. This is also when Chapter Management Awards happen. Just as Bronze, Silver and Gold Quill Awards for individuals, chapters submit entries for our efforts as a board. I am very proud to say we brought home two awards this year for chapter events and professional development. Let’s give the IABC Tulsa board a big (virtual) round of applause for their amazing work. Noel Freeman, our co-professional development chair represented Tulsa this year. In addition to the awards, she brought back great concepts for our chapter, as well as ideas everyone can use in your organizations. We will share these in upcoming PD events and in our newsletters. We also confirmed the date and location of the Tulsa CMP/SCMP Certification exam. Mark your calendars for Saturday, April 13 at 9 a.m. All of the details are noted below. Don’t delay in submitting your application to sit for the exam. And we’re closing out the month with the final deadline to submit your Bronze Quill entries. This annual awards event recognizes excellence in our field. Showcase all the hard work you’ve already done. It’s your time to shine. “Your value will be not what you know; it will be what you share.” – Ginni Rometty

Still Time to Enter Bronze Quill   We know these can take a little time to pull together, so to help you out, we’re giving you a few more days to finalize and submit your entries for this year’s Bronze Quill Awards. Take a moment to reflect on all the work you’ve done and get your entries in by the new deadline – February 22.  Did you launch a new website or develop a strategy to educate employees about a new program? Was your company newsletter or magazine full of engaging stories? Did your team create an amazing video to support your goals or have a social media campaign that went viral? You’ve already done the hard work. Now it’s time to be recognized for it. Our Bronze Quill Awards recognize outstanding employee communications, public relations, media relations, community relations, government affairs and marketing communication efforts. View the full list of categories here, then prepare your work plan and sample communications. Visit our new entry site at iabctulsa.awardsplatform.com.     FINAL DEADLINE: FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 22 IABC members: $50 per entry Non-members: $60 per entry Non-profit and students: $40 per entry Once again, we will recognize three exceptional communicators. Review the descriptions below and consider nominating someone for a special award. Communicator of the Year: Honors a member of the community for his or her contributions to the community through communications. This person is not a communicator by profession — but by passion. Professional of the Year: Recognizes the outstanding achievements of an IABC member in his or her career, profession and community. Rising Star: We will once again recognize a dynamic, young professional who has demonstrated outstanding ability and strong leadership within the communications profession. Winners will be announced at our awards ceremony on Thursday, April 25, at the Central Library in downtown Tulsa. Sponsorship opportunities are available. Bronze Quill is a fun, professional event that gives sponsors exposure to the Tulsa-area’s top communicators from varying industries. For questions, sponsorship information or to nominate an individual for one of these awards, email awards@iabctulsa.com or call Ashley Cleveland at 918-947-7251.

Why Josh is More Likely to Speak for His Group than Jessica: Breaking Biased Habits at Work Co-presented with the Tulsa Area Human Resources Association (TAHRA). TAHRA members should register here.   The next time you’re in a meeting where people are offering updates on a team’s progress, notice who speaks. Chances are you’ll hear from more men than women, even if women were crucial behind the scenes. Why does this happen? Who will get the credit for that group’s work?  And how many women need to be in the room before they typically participate on par with men?   Therese Huston shows that the “men speak, women listen” dynamic emerges among the most well-intentioned (and well-educated) groups. Therese shares strategies for curbing gender bias in group work and meetings, regardless of the gender ratio. You’ll leave equipped to bring everyone’s best ideas to the table.   What You’ll Learn: How to recognize and address issues of unconscious bias. How to use data from scientific research to discuss gender habits, perceptions and strategies. Practical strategies you can begin to use today. When: 7:15 to 9 a.m. March 27 (Breakfast starts at 7:15 a.m.; Program starts at 8 a.m.) Where: Tulsa Marriott Southern Hills, 1902 E 71st Street, Tulsa, OK 74136 (Council Oak Ballroom) Fee: IABC Member fee: $20 IABC Non-member fee: $30 Student fee: $10

IABC Certification Coming to Tulsa April 13! IABC is bringing the CMP (Communication Management Professional) and SCMP (Senior Communication Management Professional) certification exams to Tulsa on April 13, 2018 at 9 a.m. Here’s what you need to know. Interested in getting certified? Fill out this form andemail it to us with details on which level you’re interested in: Communication Management Professional (6-8 years of experience) or Strategic Communication Management Professional (11+ years of experience or by recommendation). We can share information about how to get the process started and help identify training hours completed with IABC. Also, if you missed our recent professional development event on certification, click here for the helpful slide deck.

IABC/Tulsa: By the Numbers  Think you know all there is to know about IABC/Tulsa? Check out this helpful infographic to get the details about our chapter and our activities in 2018. Thank you to Byers Creative for generously donating the design work.

Meet a Member: Claire Combs  Title: Senior Manager, Corporate Communications   Company: Hilti   Why do you love your job? It’s cliché, I know, but I love that every day is different. I also work with a really great group of people.   How long have you been a member of IABC? Brand new! Just since 2018.   Why are you a member of IABC? I joined IABC to build my professional network and because I recognize the tendency to look inward for solutions when, often, there are people outside of our organizations who could provide really invaluable advice and coaching. I love learning from other people.   What is the value of your IABC membership? So far, I have appreciated the access to all the online learning opportunities. Check back with me when I have few more years under my belt!   What is your favorite thing to do outside of work? Cook for our supper club, camp with the family or listen to live music at Cain’s.   What’s your favorite vacation spot? Santa Fe for its proximity, food, mountains and vibe.   Who is your favorite musical artist? Impossible to say, but I am listening to a lot of Lake Street Dive at the moment.   Which website or app do you visit daily? Instagram, always.   What is your favorite restaurant? Amelia’s to dine in; My Thai Kitchen for takeaway.   Complete the following: The future of the field of communications is exciting! More practically, I think the trend from social media sound bites back to more long-form content, particularly in podcasting, is really positive.    What advice would you give to new communications professionals? Keep your cool, lead with questions not answers, and stay curious about what’s happening in the world around you.

IABC/Tulsa Wins Chapter Management Awards  Congratulations to IABC/Tulsa for bringing home two Chapter Management Awards from IABC International! We received Awards of Merit for: Professional Development Chapter Events Congratulations to our board members over each of these areas and thank you to our members and event attendees for making our professional development opportunities and chapter events such a success!

Send a shout out to these members celebrating anniversaries in February. February 2 – Erica May February 11 – Summer Austin February 29 – Beth Harris

Are you getting the most from your intranet technology? Is your digital workplace serving employee needs? Do you even know what those needs are? Great intranets and digital workplaces are born from sound user research. You’ll learn: About research methodologies that deliver results. How to draft questions that provide more strategic insights. What to do with your findings. Where to go next in your intranet or digital workplace. When: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. February 13 Where: Tulsa Country Club, 701 N. Union Ave., Tulsa, OK 74127 Fee: IABC Member fee: $25 IABC Non-member fee: $35 Student fee: $15 About Stacy Wilson Stacy Wilson, ABC, IABC Fellow, president of Eloquor Consulting, helps organizations get more collaboration and innovation value from technology investments by ensuring the people/process elements work effectively. She primarily focuses on intranet and digital workplace strategy, governance, usability, content and adoption. Clients are from around the world and many industries, such as XL Catlin, Newmont Mining, University Hospitals of Cleveland and Ingram Micro. Stacy is a long-time IABC member whose roles have included: International Board member, District Director and World Conference PAC Chair. Connect with Stacy: LinkedIn or Twitter.

Happy New Year friends! I want to start 2019 with a big thank you to everyone that joined us for our first professional development luncheon of the year. Ginger Homan engaged and delighted with insights and information on the only global ISO certified communication accreditation available. There were great questions and dialogue throughout, and I walked away feeling excited and optimistic about what this will mean for our profession. Of course, there are immediate personal benefits to having those well-deserved letters follow your name. In fact, on average professionals with a certification earn 18 percent more than those with the same education level and no certification. This is wonderful, but what is really inspiring are the long-term benefits of having a globally recognized gold standard in the field of communication. Just as our engineering, human resources, accounting, etc. colleagues have their official career stepping stones. Now we do too, and the future is bright! Imagine automatically having a seat at “the table” because the value you provide to the organization was understood. What if you had the budget and staff you needed, or were seen as a strategic partner not a cost center. I realize this is a reality in many organizations, but certainly not all. How do we set our sights on this utopia? We ELEVATE. Elevate each other, our profession and ourselves. We measure, demonstrate and celebrate our work, knowledge and expertise. Certification validates our knowledge base and advances the profession. And good news! We are bringing it to you. See below for more information and check out the various resources available. IABC/Tulsa is here to help you reach your goals. If you have questions, do not hesitate to contact us. “Progress lies not in enhancing what is, but in advancing toward what will be.” – Khalil Gibran

Intranet & Digital Workplace Research That Drives Good Decisions

Are you getting the most from your intranet technology? Is your digital workplace serving employee needs? Do you even know what those needs are? Great intranets and digital workplaces are born from sound user research. You’ll learn: About research methodologies that deliver results. How to draft questions that provide more strategic insights. What to do with your findings. Where to go next in your intranet or digital workplace. When: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. February 13 Where: Tulsa Country Club, 701 N. Union Ave., Tulsa, OK 74127 Fee: IABC Member fee: $25 IABC Non-member fee: $35 Student fee: $15 About Stacy Wilson Stacy Wilson, ABC, IABC Fellow, president of Eloquor Consulting, helps organizations get more collaboration and innovation value from technology investments by ensuring the people/process elements work effectively. She primarily focuses on intranet and digital workplace strategy, governance, usability, content and adoption. Clients are from around the world and many industries, such as XL Catlin, Newmont Mining, University Hospitals of Cleveland and Ingram Micro. Stacy is a long-time IABC member whose roles have included: International Board member, District Director and World Conference PAC Chair. Connect with Stacy: LinkedIn or Twitter.

Less than One Month Left to Enter Bronze Quill

Now that 2018 is over, it’s time to reflect on all the hard work you did throughout the year. Did you launch a new website or develop a strategy to educate employees about a new program? Was your company newsletter or magazine full of engaging stories? Did your team create an amazing video to support your goals or have a social media campaign that went viral?

You’ve already done the hard work. Now it’s time to be recognized for it.

Our Bronze Quill Awards recognize outstanding employee communications, public relations, media relations, community relations, government affairs and marketing communication efforts. View the full list of categories here, then prepare your work plan and sample communications.

Visit our new entry site at iabctulsa.awardsplatform.com.    

DEADLINE: FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15

• IABC members: $50 per entry
• Non-members: $60 per entry
• Non-profit and students: $40 per entry

Once again, we will recognize three exceptional communicators. Review the descriptions below and consider nominating someone for a special award.

• Communicator of the Year: Honors a member of the community for his or her contributions to the community through communications. This person is not a communicator by profession — but by passion.
• Professional of the Year: Recognizes the outstanding achievements of an IABC member in his or her career, profession and community.
• Rising Star: We will once again recognize a dynamic, young professional who has demonstrated outstanding ability and strong leadership within the communications profession.

Winners will be announced at our awards ceremony on Thursday, April 25, at the Central Library in downtown Tulsa.

Sponsorship opportunities are available. Bronze Quill is a fun, professional event that gives sponsors exposure to the Tulsa-area’s top communicators from varying industries.

For questions, sponsorship information or to nominate an individual for one of these awards, email awards@iabctulsa.com or call Ashley Cleveland at 918-947-7251.

IABC Certification Coming to Tulsa April 13!

IABC is bringing the CMP (Communication Management Professional) and SCMP (Senior Communication  Management Professional) certification exams to Tulsa on April 13, 2018. Here’s what you need to know.

Interested in getting certified? Fill out this form and email it to us with details on which level you’re interested in: Communication Management Professional (6-8 years of experience) or Strategic Communication Management Professional (11+ years of experience or by recommendation). We can share information about how to get the process started and help identify training hours completed with IABC. Also, if you missed our recent professional development event on certification, click here for the helpful slide deck.

IABC/Tulsa: By the Numbers 

Think you know all there is to know about IABC/Tulsa? Check out this helpful infographic to get the details about our chapter and our activities in 2018. Thank you to Byers Creative for generously donating the design work.

Meet a Member: Casey Smith

Title: Communications Coordinator

Company: SemGroup

Why do you love your job? I really like getting the opportunity to write every day. I have loved writing since high school, and I’ve been really thankful that my career so far has put me in situations where I get to focus on that daily and to learn different styles along the way. 

How long have you been a member of IABC?About 18 months. I joined during the summer of 2017.

Have you ever served on an IABC Board? Not yet!

What is the best IABC meeting/conference you have attended? Why? I liked the social media tips and tricks that Noël led this past summer. I’m the primary one that updates our company’s social accounts, and being reminded of the strategy behind social media and new developments/ideas for the platforms is always helpful.

How has IABC played a part in your professional development? I came to corporate communications through journalism, and the resources on IABC.com have been a huge help! Between The Hub, the webinars and the articles featured, I’m probably on IABC.com daily getting ideas or learning a new skill. I have also enjoyed the in-person trainings and events that IABC/Tulsa puts on, and I try to attend those when I can.

What is your favorite thing to do outside of work? My favorite hobbies are running, writing, cooking and reading. I like to spend time with my boyfriend and friends. I also have a very cuddly cat, so sitting down with her is a daily must as well.

What’s your favorite vacation spot? I am not a huge traveler, but I recently went to the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta as part of a friend’s wedding weekend trip. I was blown away (ha!!) by how enormous the festival is and how beautiful it is. ‘Loonies’ come from all over the world to see the balloons and display their own. It was an amazing experience, and I’d love to go back one day.

Who is your favorite musical artist? George Strait. I got to see him in Tulsa this summer and had seen him once before in college. Always a fantastic show.

Which website or app do you visit daily? I like Instagram so much that I recently set a time limit for it with that new ‘downtime’ phone feature. I also like the blog peanutbutterrunner.com. It’s written by Jen Eddins, a yoga teacher and runner who comes up with a lot of her own recipes, and I occasionally draw from the workout and meal ideas that she shares. She eats plenty of dessert, which I appreciate! 

What is your favorite restaurant? I like Blue Moon Café, but I only ever get the migas because I love them. I’m assuming the rest of the menu is good too.

How will we recognize you at the next IABC function? I’m tall. I have full bangs, which I don’t think is on trend right now, but noticed that younger celebrities like Camila Cabello and Bella Hadid have bangs occasionally? (See the above Instagram problem.) So maybe some of the kids are doing them these days?

Complete the following: The future of the field of communications is….. going to be dictated by changes in technology. Thanks to smart phones/internet/social media, attention spans seem to be getting shorter and harder to capture. Quick and solid crisis communication seems to be getting more important. So I think to be successful communicators will need to continue adapting their professional expertise to whatever big tech comes up with next. Full disclosure—I was in college when smart phones came out, so maybe things were always this way, and I wasn’t paying attention!

What advice would you give to new communications professionals? Learn as much as you can. Make goals to frequently read about or practice new skills as much as possible, and pay attention to what other companies and brands in your space are doing. Review the redline/edits your boss makes on the copy you turn in and the ways that the final version changes from your original draft. I think these are good habits that don’t need to be limited to newbies; I hope to continue with them!

Send a shout out to these members celebrating anniversaries in January.

January 11 – Karen Shade
January 15 – Pam Listar
January 22 – Sara Pollard

It’s December and another year is coming to a close. With every year that passes, I find myself saying “Where did the time go?” more often. A fun side effect of aging is your perception of time shifts to feeling like it’s going by at the speed of light. To compensate for this inexplicable shift, I make an effort to be present and grateful. Taking time to appreciate the people, experiences and little things that bring joy and make me smile.   I find this exercise of reflection is also very important at work. Our profession is fast-paced, usually behind the scenes and often thankless. In this season of planning for the year ahead, we should all take time to think about the wins and moments that made 2018 great. Remember and acknowledge the work you’ve done, the things you learned and the relationships you built. It is important and should be celebrated.   While we’re at it, let’s celebrate the people that build us up and help make it all possible. For me, the IABC crew is always a big part of this list. I am immensely grateful to our wonderful board; their creativity, energy and friendship is priceless. And on behalf of the IABC Tulsa Board, we want to say how grateful we are for our members. Each of you is a special piece of what makes IABC great, and we appreciate you.   Wishing everyone a safe and happy holiday.   “Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.”  -William Arthur Ward

If you’re worried that going through the certification process is crazy – think again. On average, those with a certification earn 18 percent more than those with the same education and no certification – but compensation is only one reason to consider certification.Join Ginger D. Homan, ABC, SCMP as she shares why you should get your “crazy on” and look at certification ahead of IABC/Tulsa’s April 2019 exam date.If you have ever considered it, this is your opportunity to ask questions, learn about the exams, how to prepare and see if it is a fit for you.What You’ll Learn:How certification can grow your career.How the process of certification works.How to maintain your certification.How certification can advance the profession.When: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. January 16Where: Tulsa Country Club, 701 N. Union Ave., Tulsa, OK 74127Fee:IABC Member fee: $25IABC Non-member fee: $35Student fee: $15

Register online by January 15!

Gather your work samples and prepare your work plans. Bronze Quill 2019 is now open for entries!   Bronze Quill recognizes outstanding employee communications, public relations, media relations, community relations, government affairs and marketing communication efforts. Bronze Quill is open to all communicators – members and non-members alike. Did you know, we also have student categories as well?   Submit your entries early and save!  Visit the new entry site atiabctulsa.awardsplatform.com.     EARLY DEADLINE: MONDAY, DECEMBER 31  IABC members: $40 per entry Non-members: $50 per entry Non-profit and students: $30 per entryGo to IABC Tulsa’s Bronze Quill page to download entry templates and guides to help you prepare your entry. The final deadline to submit your entries is Friday, February 15, 2019. In addition to our entry winners, we will recognize three exceptional communicators. Review the descriptions below and nominate someone for a special award. Communicator of the Year: Honors a member of the community for his or her contributions to the community through communications. This person is not a communicator by profession — but by passion. Professional of the Year: Recognizes the outstanding achievements of an IABC member in his or her career, profession and community. Rising Star: We will once again recognize a dynamic, young professional who has demonstrated outstanding ability and strong leadership within the communications profession.For questions, sponsorship information or to nominate an individual for one of the above awards, email awards@iabctulsa.com or call Ashley Cleveland at 918-947-7251.

IABC/Tulsa Judges Circle – Engage with our Chapter While Learning Have you entered or won a Bronze Quill? Are you curious what communications programs and strategies other professionals employ at their businesses? Do you want another way to engage with our chapter but don’t have a lot of time? If you answered yes to any of these questions, consider joining the Judges Circle. This new group will be responsible for helping evaluate other chapters’ local awards programs – and in return, they help judge our Bronze Quill awards. Whether you’re able to judge one or many entries throughout the year, your help is always appreciated. Plus, becoming an evaluator is a great way to improve your award entries and enhance your own strategic communication skills while finding new and interesting ways to approach communication challenges at your company. “Judging entries for other chapters has been a great learning experience for me,” said Ashley Cleveland, Senior Communications Consultant at ONE Gas. “I’ve been able to see what other communications professionals throughout the country are doing and how they’re approaching some of the same issues I face at work. It’s also really helped me improve how I approach my own Bronze Quill entries and was a factor in winning a few this year.” Whether you want to gain new ideas, get involved with the chapter through a low-time commitment or just improve your Bronze Quill entries (which is opening soon), consider joining and judging! For more information or to join the Judges Circle, email awards@iabctulsa.com.

IABC Certification Coming to Tulsa April 13! IABC is bringing the CMP (Communication Management Professional) and SCMP (Senior Communication Management Professional) certification exams to Oklahoma City on April 12 and to Tulsa on April 13, 2018. Here’s what you need to know. Interested in getting certified? Fill out this form and email it to us with details on which level you’re interested in: Communication Management Professional (6-8 years of experience) or Strategic Communication Management Professional (11+ years of experience or by recommendation). We can share information about how to get the process started and help identify training hours completed with IABC.

Send a shout out to these members celebrating anniversaries in December. December 5 – Gary Darnell December 13 – Cindy Bolen December 19 – Kendra Thompson December 28 – Derald Riley

I had the privilege of meeting Bozoma Saint John recently; an accomplished marketer, brand strategist and so much more.  When asked what she deems her proudest accomplishment (and she has a long list), her answer was simply relationships.  The relationships that she can carry from project to project, even job to job.  Those are a true measure of success and can really help when you need it.

With the season of giving upon us, I can think of no better time of year to volunteer and build those relationships.  Join us on Thursday, December 6 for our Annual Gift of Communication.  The event provides an opportunity for local nonprofit organizations to receive a free consultation workshop from communications professionals and offers local professionals (you) a way to give back to the community.  If you would like to nominate a nonprofit or volunteer, let us know.

Bronze Quill 2019 is open for entries.  That’s right!  We’re giving you a head start to enter all of your hard work.  BQ is an opportunity to showcase your efforts, receive feedback and, of course, some recognition.  It’s also a way to elevate our profession.  The BQ process helps articulate and measure the value your department and role bring to your organization.  #itsawinwin

Don’t forget our annual survey has hit your inbox.  Your feedback is a gift and we value it immensely.  Thank you in advance for taking the time to let us know what we’re doing well and where we can adjust.  Survey participants will be entered into a drawing for a Starbucks gift card.  Don’t miss out!

Wishing everyone a wonderful start to the holiday season.

“We make a living by what we get.  We make a life by what we give.”  -Winston Churchill

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Gift of Communication

As a way to give back to the community, IABC/Tulsa is hosting its annual Gift of Communication. This event allows IABC members and others to share their expertise with representatives from nonprofit organizations to help them achieve excellence in corporate communications, public relations, employee communication, marketing communication, public affairs and other forms of business communication.

This event will include consultation and networking with some of the top communications professionals in the Oklahoma/Arkansas areas. Volunteer your time to help local nonprofits reach their communications goals, while learning from other communication professionals in the area.

When: Thursday, December 6 from 8:30 to 12 p.m. (light breakfast provided)
Where: Tulsa City-County Library, 400 Civic Center, Tulsa, OK 74103
2018 Gift of Communication Nonprofit Agencies: TBD

Let us know you’re coming by December 5!

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Bronze Quill Now Open

Gather your work samples and prepare your work plans. Bronze Quill 2019 is now open for entries!

Bronze Quill recognizes outstanding employee communications, public relations, media relations, community relations, government affairs and marketing communication efforts. Bronze Quill is open to all communicators – members and non-members alike. Did you know, we also have student categories as well?

Submit your entries early and save!  Visit the new entry site at iabctulsa.awardsplatform.com.

EARLY DEADLINE: MONDAY, DECEMBER 31

• IABC members: $40 per entry
• Non-members: $50 per entry
• Non-profit and students: $30 per entry

Go to IABC Tulsa’s Bronze Quill page to download entry templates and guides to help you prepare your entry. The final deadline to submit your entries is Friday, February 15, 2019.

In addition to our entry winners, we will recognize three exceptional communicators. Review the descriptions below and nominate someone for a special award.

• Communicator of the Year: Honors a member of the community for his or her contributions to the community through communications. This person is not a communicator by profession — but by passion.
• Professional of the Year: Recognizes the outstanding achievements of an IABC member in his or her career, profession and community.
• Rising Star: We will once again recognize a dynamic, young professional who has demonstrated outstanding ability and strong leadership within the communications profession.

For questions, sponsorship information or to nominate an individual for one of the above awards, email awards@iabctulsa.com or call Ashley Cleveland at 918-947-7251.

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Get to Know Sara Pollard

Title: Product Owner for Campus of the Future in Associate Digital Experience

Company: Walmart

Why do you love your job? It is a challenge I never expected. After 11 years focused on internal communications, I recently transitioned to our technology organization. I hope to bring a communications focus to a tech team, so users will know the great things produced for them.

How long have you been a member of IABC? 11 years.

Have you ever served on an IABC Board? Yep! I have served in every role found in most chapters except VP of Awards and President. I served these roles in three chapters: Fort Worth, Arkansas and Tulsa.

What is the best IABC meeting/conference you have attended? Why? I always love attending the Southern Region Conference. The folks who attend are close enough geographically that relationships can be easily maintained but different enough that you can learn something from your new friends.

How has IABC played a part in your professional development? I landed my two of my last three career moves with the help of IABC.

I reached out to the President of IABC Arkansas when I wanted to move back to Arkansas. She had previously worked at the company where I was interviewing. She gave me tips about working there and what the position might entail.

While attending the 2011 Southern Region Conference, I met the President-Elect of IABC Tulsa. When I moved to NW Arkansas, I reconnected with her, so I could find friends and professional networks while I was working from home. She helped me make both personal and professional connections that directly led to my first position at Walmart.

What is your favorite thing to do outside of work? Travel with my family. We try to go somewhere new and interesting about four times a year.

What’s your favorite vacation spot? My husband and I honeymooned in Uvita, Costa Rica, and it remains one of my favorite vacations. We surfed, white-water rafted, waterfall repelled, snorkeled, hiked, zip-lined, drove almost to Panama and generally had a fabulous time.

Who is your favorite musical artist? There are so many! I never miss a chance to see Dave Matthews Band, Reckless Kelly or City and Color live.

Which website or app do you visit daily? I listen to at least two podcasts a day, so my Apple Podcast app gets a lot of use! If you have not checked out Malcolm Gladwell’s Revisionist History or Radiolab’s More Perfect, I recommend them!

What is your favorite restaurant? I have a favorite in each city. My favorite in Tulsa is Mi Cocina because it is a little connection to Fort Worth – good Tex-Mex is hard to come by in Arkansas!

How will we recognize you at the next IABC function? I will most likely be early and with other people from Walmart. We have always traveled in packs to IABC functions!

Complete the following: The future of the field of communications is digital. I have said the same thing for years. If you don’t understand how to communicate digitally and how your digital platform works, you will be left behind. I started learning the technology behind digital platforms when I first started my career. Understanding technology was vitally important to every step in my career. It is still a rare combination of skills that is valuable.

What advice would you give to new communications professionals? Learn as much as you can from anyone willing to share. And find out who is willing to share by getting outside of your comfort zone and ASK people to share. You will be surprised at what people are willing to do for you if you ask.

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Thank you to all those attending, speaking and sponsoring this year’s IABC/PRSA/AMA Communicator’s Summit! It was a huge hit, doubling our attendees from the previous year and with tons of great takeaways by our presenters. Afternoon keynote Chuck Gose even gave us a shoutout on his blog. Your support makes events like this possible; thanks for supporting local orgs!

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IABC Certification Coming to Tulsa April 13!

IABC is bringing the CMP (Communication Management Professional) and SCMP (Senior Communication Management Professional) certification exams to Tulsa on April 13. Here’s what you need to know.

Interested in getting certified? Fill out this form and email it to us with details on which level you’re interested in: Communication Management Professional (6-8 years of experience) or Strategic Communication Management Professional (11+ years of experience or by recommendation). We can share information about how to get the process started and help identify training hours completed with IABC.

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Send a shout out to these members celebrating anniversaries in November.

November 6 – Leslie Agee
November 13 – Kerry Malone
November 25 – Roxanne Cook

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Save the Date: January Professional Development

You’re Certifiable: The Ins and Outs of Achieving Professional Certification
With Ginger Homan, ABC, SCMP
Strategist – Brand, Marketing Communications; Chair IABC International Executive Board, IABC Foundation Trustees
When: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. January 16
Where: Tulsa Country Club, 701 N. Union Ave., Tulsa, OK 74127
Fee:

• IABC Member fee: $25
• IABC Non-member fee: $35
• Student fee: $15

Your Opinion Matters

The IABC/Tulsa board wants your opinion on how our chapter can be more valuable for you. Along with other not-yet-members and members, your opinion on things like professional development events, what IABC programs and services matter most to you, and communications will shape our chapter in the upcoming year.

Please take five minutes to complete our IABC chapter survey, which will be available through Tuesday, November 20.

All those completing the survey will be entered into a drawing to win a $20 Starbucks gift card.

We look forward to hearing your thoughts on improving the chapter!

Take the IABC/Tulsa 2018 Chapter non-yet-member Survey!

Take the IABC/Tulsa 2018 Chapter Membership Survey!

Happy Fall!  I look forward to October all year long.  It brings anticipation of the holiday season, feeling the weather click over (goodbye humidity!) and watching the leaves turn into a vibrant rainbow of warm colors.  But more importantly it’s Member Month!

If you have considered becoming a member (or need to renew), this is a great time to make it happen.  Anyone who joins or renews gets a 10% discount and entry into a drawing for an all-access pass to the IABC Academy. Current members you can get in on member month too!  Anyone you refer to join OR renew gets you in on some great perks.  Check out the details here.

What else am I looking forward to?  IABC’s plans for the season…and all things pumpkin spice : )  Mark your calendars!

November 7 – Communicator’s Summit.  We are thrilled to partner with PRSA and, new this year, AMA.  Lots of networking and insights from speakers across the communications, marketing and PR value chain.  Deadline to register is October 26.

December 6 – Gift of Communication.  The event supports local non-profits with any and all communication guidance they need.  Volunteers (you) help these organizations develop strategies to support their goals.  This working session is an amazing way to give back and broaden your strategic communication skills.  Join us from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. for breakfast and giving back.  If you would like to volunteer, please email me.

Anytime – Leadership development.  The board is always looking for volunteers to support our programs and members.  This is a great way to work on your leadership skills.  There are opportunities for every level and time commitment.  Reach out to any IABC Tulsa board member for more information.

Look forward to seeing you at the Communicator’s Summit.  Until then, savor the season.

“The art of communication is the language of leadership.”  -James Humes

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Member Month: Expand your impact with IABC

Get ready, it’s Member Month! Take advantage of this special twice-a-year offer to rake in the incentives when you join or renew your IABC membership. Here’s what you need to know:

Why join IABC?

• Regardless of your career stage, IABC membership expands on your ability to deliver a higher standard of professional communication.
• IABC membership allows you to stay on top of business communication trends and critical developments. This expands your ability to ensure your organization’s voice remains relevant, informed and proactive.
• Membership in IABC helps you increase the effectiveness of your business communication to expand the impact you have on your organization’s business results.
• Expand your impact by expanding your access to business-building ideas and best practices through peer-to-peer networking, engagement and knowledge sharing among a global community of communication professionals.

How can we sweeten the pot?

• Existing Members for Renewal: 10% discount on International dues when renewing in October
  • PLUS: Entry into a drawing to win an annual IABC Academy All Access Pass
• New and Lapsed Members: 10% discount on International dues when joining in October
  • PLUS: Entry into a drawing to win an annual IABC Academy All Access Pass
• Referrals: All members who refer 4 or more new/reinstating members during October receive a year of free IABC membership. The member who refers the most members during October will receive a free year subscription to Leaderbox ($790 value) and a feature in an IABC Digest email. All members who refer will be recognized on the IABC website.

Join or Renew Today!

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2018 Communicators Summit by IABC, PRSA & AMA

Marketing professionals, crisis managers, writers, designers, brand managers, employee engagement experts … as communicators, these are just some of the many hats we wear as we prepare organizations to respond to challenges, both internally and externally.

That’s why we’re not just PR or marketing or crisis communicators. Organizations look to us to be leaders in all areas of communications, and Communicators Summit is where we come together to meet, learn and grow in our professions.

This year’s summit will bring together experts from across the country, representing various industries to discuss current trends, technology and strategies to help you engage with your audience and drive business results.

There is guaranteed to be something for every skill level – from the newbie just joining the profession and building a network to the seasoned pro looking to keep up with the latest trends.

Cost for full Summit 

• $40.00 student rate
• $75.00 member
• $90.00 non-member

Lunch-only Keynote

• $15.00 Student
• $25.00 Member
• $35.00 Non-member

Speakers Summarized

Morning Keynote: Joy Dyer, OKC Thunder Moments Matter!

Set 1: Breakouts: 9:45 am to 10:30am

1. Programmatic Marketing Strategies and Digital Tactics to Drive Company Growth, Joe Macaluso and Yaviv Drori, Multiview
2. Employee Communication: Engaging Employees to Drive Business Results,  Andrea Myers, Vice President and Assistant Practice Lead, Talent + Transformation, FleishmanHillard St. Louis
3. Brand Fission: The Quik Print / Mingo Brand Story,Libby Bender, Cubic; Alex Gravley, Quik Print; Amy Gravley Witkowski, Mingo

Set 2: Breakouts 10:45- 11:30

1. Thought Leadership and Social Media Measurement, Executive Involvement, Erin Holland, ONEOK, and Michelle Heard, Ascension
2. Utilizing podcasts to communicate; how to get started and how to measure success, Lauren King, F Word Podcast
3. Reinventing Company Culture, Justin Harlan, Executive Director, Reading Partners Tulsa

Lunch Keynote: Mind Matters: Cognitive Bias and Communication, Chuck Gose, Chuck Chats, ICology podcast and Social Chorus

Registration Ends October 26!

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Get to Know Jennifer Rector

Title(s): Manager, Communications for ONE Gas;
Creative Strategy and Brand Development, Ridgeback Studio

Why do you love your job?  At ONE Gas, I love that no one day is ever the same. There has never been a more exciting time to be a professional communicator. There are so many things to learn and so many ways to accomplish a goal – the sky really is the limit. I love that technology and strategy always seem to meet somewhere in my communications plan and is then up to us to creatively implement. My role in the studio is an opportunity to learn and be involved in an up-and-coming medium that I believe is going to drive the future of marketing – online streaming.

How long have you been a member of IABC? I have been involved in IABC for more than 10 years, but officially became a member in 2010.

Why are you a member of IABC? As a communicator, you need a group of people who understand what it’s like to be you. We all work in different industries, but the field of communication is universal. You need the energy, the assurance and the confidence from people who truly want to lift you up and make you better.

What is the best IABC meeting/conference you have attended? Why? It’s hard to pick just one, but I’ve been to World Conference twice – once in San Diego and once in NYC – both of those were amazing. You get the chance to meet professionals from across the globe who are all working to overcome the same challenges and that is very powerful.

How has IABC played a part in your professional development? I’ve had so many development opportunities with IABC. I’ve spent most of my career working in a business environment, and this organization has given me the tools and resources to think of myself not only as a communications professional, but as a business professional.

What is the value of your IABC membership? This year, I completed a master’s degree in Strategic Communication and Leadership. Part of my program included a thesis and oral defense. I had a lot of research requirements and the Research content from IABC was invaluable to my work. At one point, I needed a specific piece of literature that was going to cost more through Amazon than the price of my annual IABC membership. I was able to use the paper for free with my membership. You always hear about the value of an organization, but this year, I was able to break down an actual dollar amount on what I saved through membership. Amazing …

What is your favorite thing to do outside of work? I’m a shy introvert in real life (shocking, right?). Nothing thrills me more than to be at home with my boys with no agenda. I get to take off so many of the other hats I wear and focus on my most important job – being a wife and mom.

What’s your favorite vacation spot? Vegas!

Who is your favorite musical artist? I was raised in the late 90s and never really left. There’s something about Maynard Keenan that never gets old for me. I’ve seen Tool and A Perfect Circle both right here in Tulsa, and yes, I wore flannel.

Which website or app do you visit daily? Instagram, the Skimm and News on 6 (I can’t seem to get enough of their mobile alerts).

What is your favorite restaurant? El Guapo.

Complete the following: The future of the field of communications is…on fire! We are going to teach entire industries how to navigate the future. I’m not saying it won’t be hard, but it will be an adventure like no other in history. What’s not to be excited about?

What advice would you give to new communications professionals? Be open to learn ANYTHING. Early in my career, I had a lot of opportunities because I was comfortable volunteering for work. My favorite quote is attributed to Thomas Edison, “Opportunity is missed by most because it’s dressed in overalls and looks like work.” Be willing to say, “I’ll do that,” and do it. Learn the new software, take the beat no one else wants, get your hands dirty and always look for ways to contribute.

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Congratulations to our Silver Quill Winners!

Congratulations to IABC/Tulsa’s winners of the 2018 IABC Southern Region Silver Quill Awards. These will be announced on October 18 at the IABC Southern Region Awards Luncheon during the connect18 Conference in Nashville.

• • ONEOK – Stephanie Higgins, Becky Carver, Brittany Anicetti, Jason Wright and Erica May
  • Walmart People Experience Communications – Tonya Keller, Danna Strickland, Becky Zito, Kimberly Ringhausen and David Bunger
  • Williams – Keith Isbell, Cindy Ivey and Chris Stockton

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IABC/Tulsa Judges Circle – Engage with our Chapter While Learning

Have you entered or won a Bronze Quill? Are you curious what communications programs and strategies other professionals employ at their businesses? Do you want another way to engage with our chapter but don’t have a lot of time?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, consider joining the Judges Circle. This new group will be responsible for helping evaluate other chapters’ local awards programs – and in return, they help judge our Bronze Quill awards.

Whether you’re able to judge one or many entries throughout the year, your help is always appreciated. Plus, becoming an evaluator is a great way to improve your award entries and enhance your own strategic communication skills while finding new and interesting ways to approach communication challenges at your company.

“Judging entries for other chapters has been a great learning experience for me,” said Ashley Cleveland, Senior Communications Consultant at ONE Gas. “I’ve been able to see what other communications professionals throughout the country are doing and how they’re approaching some of the same issues I face at work. It’s also really helped me improve how I approach my own Bronze Quill entries and was a factor in winning a few this year.”

Whether you want to gain new ideas, get involved with the chapter through a low-time commitment or just improve your Bronze Quill entries (which is opening soon), consider joining and judging!

For more information or to join the Judges Circle, email awards@iabctulsa.com.

 

IABC Certification Coming to Oklahoma Soon!

 

IABC is bringing the CMP (Communication Management Professional) and SCMP (Senior Communication Management Professional) certification exams to Oklahoma next spring. Here’s what you need to know.

Also, the IABC Foundation has created the Gift of Excellence program, which is providing scholarships for certification fees. Details can be found here: Gift of Excellence Certification Grant.

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Send a shout out to these members celebrating anniversaries in October.

October 6 – Cristi Goettel
October 9 – Sarah Andrews
October 17 – Ginger Homan